Did you know that about 15 to 20 percent of Americans have deep bites? This common problem affects people of all ages, from kids to older adults. Having a deep bite doesn’t just affect how your face looks.
It can also cause oral health issues like tooth and gum damage, headaches, jaw problems (TMJ), and even hearing problems. Luckily, we have various orthodontic treatments for deep bite correction to help avoid these problems.
What Is a Deep Bite?
A deep bite, also called a deep overbite, happens when the upper teeth overlap the lower ones a lot, sometimes touching the roof of the mouth. This can make it hard to talk, breathe, and chew properly.
It might also change how your face looks, making it rounder or shorter. Plus, it can harm your teeth and gums. Since almost 22% of people worldwide have deep bites, an early intervention is a wise choice.
Causes of Deep Bite
A deep bite usually happens when your teeth and jaw aren’t aligned properly. But it can also be caused by gum disease, teeth that are worn or broken, or when you’ve lost teeth at the back of your mouth.
If you don’t treat it, a deep bite can cause a lot of problems, like damaging your teeth and gums, wearing down your teeth too much, giving you headaches, and even affecting your hearing and digestion. There are many things that can cause a deep bite, including:
- How your jaw develops and grows can be influenced by genetics or insufficient jaw development
- Missing teeth, especially those at the back of your mouth
- Gum disease
- Crowded teeth
- Teeth that are worn, decayed, or broken
- Dental work that’s not holding up well
- Clenching or grinding your teeth
- Habits like sucking your thumb, biting your nails, or grinding your teeth.
Deep Bite Correction in Orthodontics
Orthodontic treatments are most helpful in correcting deep bites in all age groups. Orthodontists use the following dental appliances to tackle the problems a deep bite can impose on your oral health.
- Braces are like small brackets on your teeth connected by wires that your dentist adjusts over time.
- Retainers are removable appliances made of wire and plastic. You usually wear them most of the day.
- Tray aligners are clear trays that straighten your teeth. They are an alternative to braces.
Some of these dental appliances are ready-made, while others are customized for you to fit perfectly and give the desired result.
How Long Does It Take to Fix a Deep Bite?
The average duration to fix a deep bite depends on the severity of the issue. However, orthodontic treatments generally require 1-2 years. Fixing a severe overbite might take longer than fixing minor teeth issues. Therefore, this time can fluctuate accordingly.
Wrapping Up
Deep bite goes beyond a cosmetic concern. It imposes several risks on your dental health. Orthodontic treatments are the most helpful in deep bite correction and various other bite misalignments.
Visit Dr. Saba Ahmed at Village Park Dental. Our dentist has advanced training as a dentist in orthodontics and Invisalign (clear braces). Call us at (281) 376-4444 to book an appointment.